Undefeated by Mindset

June 2025 Edition

In this Topic

• Introduction: The Split-Second That Changes Everything
• Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: The Performance Game-Changer
• Meet my client, Marie!
• Your Next Move Starts Here

The Split-Second That Changes Everything

Imagine this; you are in the midst of a performance and worst case, something goes wrong. For my competitive dancers, maybe it's forgotten choreo or to my runners/hybrid athletes, you're doing an exercise that doesn't go the way you want it to. In that moment, your mind has a choice to make — and that choice determines whether you fail or succeed.

The difference between athletes who thrive under pressure and act quickly isn't all necessarily talent, training hours, or even physical ability. It's something far more powerful & completely within your control: your mindset.

As dancers and hybrid athletes, you face unique challenges that traditional sports psychology often overlooks. You are both artists and athletes simultaneously, requiring both technical precision and creative expression. You train multiple disciplines, switching between strength, flexibility, endurance, and artistry — sometimes within the same session. Your 'playing field' might be a stage one day and a gym the next.

But here's what research shows us: the mental skills that separate good performers from great ones are the same whether you're performing choreo at your peak or crushing a deadlift PR.

Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: The Performance Game-Changer

The Fixed Mindset Trap

When you come from a fixed mindset, you believe your abilities are set in stone. You might think:

• "I'm just not capable enough for this style of dance"
• "Some people are natural athletes, and I'm not one of them"
• "If I have to work this hard, maybe I don't have what it takes"

This thinking creates a fear of failure too extreme that you start avoiding challenges. You then stick to what you already do well, turn down opportunities of growth that stretch your capabilities, or skip training sessions when you're 'tired' or 'not feeling good'. Every mistake becomes evidence of your limitations rather than information for improvement.

The Growth Mindset Advantage

With fostering a growth mindset, you see abilities as skills that develop through dedication and smart, intentional practice. The same situations transform:

• "This style challenges my flexibility—what specific work do I need to do in order to perform well in it?"
• "I can develop my athletic abilities through consistent, planned training"
• "The effort I'm putting in is literally building my capabilities"

This mindset shift unlocks what psychologists call 'antifragility'—you don't just bounce back from setbacks, you use them as fuel for getting stronger. Challenges become opportunities. Feedback becomes valuable data. Other people's success becomes inspiration rather than intimidation.

The performance impact it does for us:

• Resilience: Bounce back 3x faster from mistakes during performance
• Risk-Taking: Willingness to attempt more challenging moves and combinations
• Learning Speed: Understand corrections and coaching 40% more effectively
• Consistency: Maintain performance quality under pressure and fatigue
• Longevity: Sustain motivation and progress throughout your training lifestyle

Meet my client, Marie (mi madre 💛)

My mom loves to walk outdoors & lives a very active lifestyle as a late 60s athlete.

When she first came to me, she was stuck in her own fixed mindset. After years of inconsistency in the gym, having little knowledge of a proper diet, and afraid of lifting weights because of the idea of getting hurt, she was stopping herself from seeing her true potential as an athlete.

However, when she chose to train under me at the beginning of this year, everything had started to change.

The Mindset Shift: We started with small, atomic changes. Instead of having doubts and moments of uncertainty, I provided her the reality of what she was doing well in. For example, when she would hear how much weight we would be squatting or deadlifting, something that she was very new to at the time, she was in shock. However, I gave her positive feedback so that she can perform either exercise well in which she did! This gave her more power and confidence in performing other new and challenging exercises I gave her in her program.

The Results: Today, Marie's entire approach of fitness, nutrition, and her lifestyle has completely changed. She's now able to lift a deadlift that's more than her bodyweight, jogs on her own instead of walking on her outdoor walks, and takes more risks than she has ever done before across her lifetime.

I couldn't be any more proud because she is the one that's raised me to be the person I am today and I am now reciprocating that energy to her in her later stages of her life and still showing up for herself!

PROUD OF YOU MAMA

Your Next Move Starts Here

If my mom's story resonates with you with taking risks and being afraid of doing something, you're not alone. Most athletes that I train, whether they're dancers, fathers, or mothers, etc. who struggle with the mental game at some point—it's not a weakness, it's an opportunity for growth.

The question isn't whether you have talent or potential. The question is: Are you ready to unlock the mental tools and resources that will transform how you train, perform, and show up?

Ready to see what's possible when your mind becomes your greatest asset?

Schedule your free consultation with Coach Tony